Halloween can potentially be a very dangerous holiday for pets. Between chocolate candies, constant doorbell ringing and satanic rituals with pit bulls and black cats, it’s important that we know how to protect our pets during the Halloween season. Both cats and dogs can be affected by the traditions of this spooky day, and I’ve put together a valuable list of Halloween safety tips for pets that you’ll want to consider this year and moving forward.
Halloween Safety Tips for Pets
Think Twice About a Costume
Americans will spend over $3 billion on Halloween costumes in 2018. About 16% of that will be spent on costumes for pets. That’s A LOT of precious dogs and cats walking around in adorable outfits. While many animals are okay with being dressed up, your pet may not be. Donning a costume may cause serious anxiety for your pet. If you notice signs of stress when your pet is dressed in a Halloween costume, take it off as soon as you can. It’s not fair to dress up our pets for our amusement if it’ll cause your pet to be stressed out. If your dog or cat is happy in a costume just make sure it doesn’t have any pieces that they could potentially chew or eat.
The Dreaded Doorbell
It’s Halloween night and the doorbell is about to be ringing like crazy from all of the trick-or-treaters. If the doorbell sets off your pup, consider creating a safe space for them to relax in during peek visiting hours. Children constantly showing up at your door in costumes can be an extremely stressful event for your pup.
And Watch The Door…
Your door will be opening and closing frequently on Halloween night. I’d suggest securing your dog in a safe place where they won’t be able to escape out the door. With all of the children looming about you could easily miss your pup slipping outside. Plus, if your dog spots children in costumes, it may startle them and cause a fight or flight response. Too many dogs end up in shelters or lost the day after Halloween because the front door of a home wasn’t being properly managed.
Keep Candy Out of Reach
Candy can be deadly if ingested by your dog – more specifically gum with the xylitol ingredient and dark chocolate. Keep the candy bowl up high, and if you have children be sure they aren’t leaving candy on the floor or scattered throughout the house.
Watch Your Black Cats and Pit Bulls
I’m sad that I even need to put this on the list, but black cats and pit bulls are at risk during Halloween. Monstrous people will kidnap these animals and torture/kill them for the sake of ritualistic demonstrations. I don’t know all of the details and I don’t want to, but I do know that you need to make sure your pets are secure inside.
Update Your Pet’s Microchip and Tags
In the unfortunate event that your pet does escape or get lost on Halloween, you’re more likely to be reunited with them if their ID information is up to date. Even if your dog doesn’t wear a collar around the house, consider putting one on for the evening if you’ll have trick-or-treaters at your door. But remember that it doesn’t do any good if your contact info is out of date. Now’s a great time to make sure the ID tags and microchip are up to date for all of your pets.
Halloween Decor Dangers
While Halloween decorations can be fun and festive, they can also cause a potential threat to your pets. Lights can be an invitation to chew and candles can be knocked over. Make sure your Halloween decor is out of reach and your pet is supervised around open flames.
Interested in more Halloween fun? Check out these posts!
Great, now I know what to look out for on Halloween. Thanks for the great tips …
I’m looking for this types of guide for safe my pet on this horrible occasion. Some of our naughty neighbor make horrible scene to fire pets. Thanks for given the right solution for us.
Great tips you got here Amanda 🙂 Ill tell my mother about this guide. It’s really Helpful! Thank you!